Learning Circles: Self-Assessment Form

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Program Overview

Learning Circles is an intensive capacity building initiative supporting nonprofits as they navigate the volatility of the current moment. This initiative aims to move participating nonprofits from learning to application. It integrates the following modalities:

Expert-led in-person and virtual sessions
Individual organizational coaching
Peer collaboration

Spring 2026 Offering

Demystifying the NYC Council Application & Award Process

February & March Series

These Learning Circle sessions provide nonprofit professionals with a clear, practical roadmap for navigating New York City Council discretionary funding—from understanding the application process to positioning your organization for a successful award. Whether you are applying for FY27 or planning ahead for a future fiscal year, these workshops equip you with the foundational knowledge and tools needed to move forward with confidence.

Led by former NYC Council Member Helen Rosenthal, these hands-on sessions include two meetings (one virtual and one in-person) each month as well as one-on-one technical assistance for each participating nonprofit.

* While not required, we encourage nonprofit organizations to attend the February and March sessions. The March workshops dive more deeply into the topics covered in February.

Part 1: NYC Council Discretionary Awards 101

The February workshop will cover:

How the NYC Council discretionary funding process works, from application to award
Key timelines, roles, and decision points in the funding cycle
Identifying and cultivating City Council Member “champions”
How to use “Schedule C” without drowning in the weeds
Developing a strategic agenda for meetings with elected officials

Who Should Attend:
Ideal for nonprofit professionals who are:

Applying for NYC Council discretionary funding for the first time
Preparing to submit an application for this fiscal year due February 18
Looking to strengthen their advocacy and relationship-building strategies

Dates & Times:

Day 1- February 12, 2026- 1:00 PM-2:30 PM (Virtual/Zoom)
Day 2- February 24, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (in-person)

Location for Day 2: FPWA, 40 Broad St, 5th floor, New York, NY 10004

Program Requirements

Each organization is expected to:

Attend Day 1 and Day 2
Participate in the coaching sessions.
Send two staff members to attend each session (if possible).

Pricing (includes both days for up to 2 staff members):

Nonprofit New York Members: $30 per organization
Non-members: $50 per organization

I read and agree to the program requirements above.

Organization Information

Organization Name

Please select your organization's NTEE category/primary activity:

Enter your organization's annual expenses (i.e. operating budget size):

How many full time staff are employed by your organization? (Include only full-time, paid staff. Do not include volunteers, board members, or open positions).

How many part-time staff or volunteers work at your organization?

Demystifying the NYCC Application and Award Process: NYC Council Discretionary Awards 101

Contact Information for First Staff Member

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Work Email

Phone Number

Contact Information for Second Staff Member

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Work Email

Phone Number

Have you applied to the NYC Council for funding before?

YesNo

Do you plan to submit an application to the NYC Council for Fiscal Year '27 (due February 18, 2026)?

YesNo

Have you received funding from the NYC Council in any fiscal year?

YesNo

Would you like to apply for discretionary funding from the New York City Council in the Future?

YesNo

What challenges are you most interested in addressing as you apply for discretionary funding from the NYC Council? (212 word limit)

Closing

What do you hope to get out of this program? (check all that apply)

Develop a community with other nonprofit professionalsEnhance my expertise in a select areaExpand my network of nonprofit professionals with similar positionsGain insight on how other nonprofits are managedObtain support and guidance in working through issues specific to my organizationOther

If other, please explain (212 words max)

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you or your organization?

Thank you for completing the Learning Circles Capacity Building Self Assessment form.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to programs@nonprofitnewyork.org with the subject line "Learning Circles".

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